UN 1045 — Fluorine, compressed
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 124. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Fluorine is a highly toxic and corrosive gas that can be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a pale yellow to greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor and is extremely corrosive and reactive.
Hazard overview: Fluorine is highly toxic and may cause severe burns or respiratory damage if inhaled. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases, making it a highly hazardous substance.
Response guidance: In the event of a fluorine leak, evacuate the area immediately and isolate the source. Do not use water or foam to extinguish surrounding fires, instead use dry chemical or sand to prevent the spread of the fire.
UN 1045 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1045
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- These are strong oxidizers and will react vigorously or explosively with many materials including fuels.
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fluorine is a pale yellow to greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor and is extremely corrosive and reactive.
| Also known as | Fluorine gasDifluorineMolecular fluorineF2 |
| CAS Number | 7782-41-4 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. Extremely corrosive and reactive oxidizer. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable but supports combustion) |
| Boiling Point | -188C (-306F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid and oxygen |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1045
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A protective equipment is required, including a self-contained breathing apparatus and fluorine-resistant materials to prevent skin exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1045 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1045 — Fluorine, compressedUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.